One seemingly ordinary day, I decided to quit. I resolved to quit my job, my relationship, and even my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life.
Before taking any drastic steps, I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
I began, “God, can you give me one good reason not to quit?”
His answer surprised me: “Look around,” He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
I replied, “Yes. When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light and water. The fern quickly grew from the earth, its brilliant green covering the forest floor. Yet, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful, but still, nothing came from the bamboo seed. I did not quit on the bamboo.”
He continued, “In year three, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit.”
“Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle.”
Then He asked me, “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I did not quit on the bamboo, and I will never quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others,” He added. “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet they both make the forest beautiful.” God said to me, “Your time will come. You will rise high.”
I asked, “How high should I rise?”
“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked.
I was confused. “As high as it can?”
“Yes,” He said, “Give Me glory by rising as high as you can.”
After this conversation, I left the forest and wrote this story. I hope these words help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, never, never give up.
Don’t tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how great the Lord is!
Please share this inspiring story with anyone who you think will find it valuable and helpful.